quaker-poor

Updated: May 2, 2025

I cannot conclude this subject without saying a few words on the character of the Quaker-poor. In the first place I may observe, that one of the great traits in their character is independence of mind. When you converse with them, you find them attentive, civil, and obliging, but you see no marks of servility about them, and you hear no flattery from their lips.

Thomas Clarkson - A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 2 : Taken from a View of the Education and Discipline, Social Manners, Civil and Political Economy, Religious Principles and Character, of the Society of Friends

But the Quaker-poor, who are principled against such customs, can of course suffer no moral injury on these accounts. To which it may be added, that their superior knowledge both leads and attaches them to a superior conduct.

Thomas Clarkson - A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 2 : Taken from a View of the Education and Discipline, Social Manners, Civil and Political Economy, Religious Principles and Character, of the Society of Friends

Hence we find them attaining a superior literal and historical knowledge of the scriptures, a superior knowledge of human nature, and a knowledge that sets them above many of the superstitions of those in their own rank in life. Another trait conspicuous in the character of the Quaker-poor, is the morality of their lives. This circumstance may easily be accounted for.

Thomas Clarkson - A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 2 : Taken from a View of the Education and Discipline, Social Manners, Civil and Political Economy, Religious Principles and Character, of the Society of Friends

On this subject I may observe, that the Quaker-poor are attached to their monthly meetings, as the common poor of the kingdom are attached to their parishes, and that they gain settlements in these nearly in the same manner.

Thomas Clarkson - A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 2 : Taken from a View of the Education and Discipline, Social Manners, Civil and Political Economy, Religious Principles and Character, of the Society of Friends

Management of the poor Quakers never seen as beggars George Fox began the provision for the Quaker-poor Monthly meetings appoint overseers Persons passed over are to apply for relief and the disorderly may receive it in certain cases Manner of collecting for the poor If burthensome in one monthly meeting, the burthen shared by the quarterly Quakers gain settlements by monthly meetings, as the other poor of the kingdom, by parishes.

Thomas Clarkson - A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 2 : Taken from a View of the Education and Discipline, Social Manners, Civil and Political Economy, Religious Principles and Character, of the Society of Friends